Avoid counterfeit equipment with these tips.

You might have seen the recent news about Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. and their struggle with counterfeit wireless gear. The company saw their stock plummet on Friday as a result, and they’re currently doing damage control.

Network admins have reason to be concerned – clearly, the production, sale and distribution of counterfeit IT equipment isn’t slowing down. And while IT budgets continue to be downsized and companies are pressured to “do more with less,” you can easily expose your organization to counterfeit gear when searching for the cheaper prices.

So how can you buy cheaper gear without the risk of buying counterfeit? Used IT gear is a great solution, particularly for companies not always looking for the “latest and greatest” (read: the most expensive). But choose your vendors wisely – Amazon and eBay may not be the best way to go.

How to choose a used IT gear vendor:

Research the company. Are they a legitimate business, or some dealer sitting in his kitchen? Any certifications, like ISO? How long have they been in business? Are they financially stable or wrangled in debt? Do they have technical support available?

Ask about their technology acquisition process. Can you be sure that what you’re buying didn’t fall off the back of a truck somewhere? What’s their counterfeit abatement process? What kind of warranty do they offer?

Find out how used equipment is refurbished. Does the company receive gear in one door, box it and send out the other? Or do they test, paint and replace parts as needed? What is their warehouse like? (Do they even keep gear in stock?) How it is shipped?

This article has more tips on buying refurbished gear and its benefits. While doing the research does require extra work, the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where you’re getting your gear is worth it.